I biked Monday and now Tuesday. Friday was the 50 mile round trip—and that was okay but it makes for a very long day. The good thing about Friday was the tailwind going home. Thank God for that! And getting to sleep late Saturday morning…
Monday and this morning, nobody was around to pass me in the bike lane. Being passed by the young bloods as they glide up into the mountains is one thing—especially when they’re riding $6,000 Colongos. Being passed by a scowling, uppity roadie kinda bites.
For a change of pace, I rode on River Rd. River Rd, Gentle Readers, is a smooth rolling alternative to the chug-a-lug climbing up on the ridge of the Catalina Mtns. River has its own challenges, but for the most part, it’s a road to find a groove and spin. I’ve been thinking bout what my friend Paul Layton has discussed about proper pedaling and making a nice circle—being more efficient. River Rd is a chance to work on that, but I will be the first to admit I don’t know what I’m doing.
The legs and breathing are starting to sync, and that, mes amis, just comes from riding more. I did spy I roadie turning onto River and I picked up the pace to meet up with him/her to say good morning, and to have someone to ride with other than the headwind that was picking up.
The rider was a fit young woman and I caught up to her quickly. Although about 60 degrees (so said the radio on the drive to the Y) it was still cold as we were in the river breaks. I wore my most thin layer so I was okay—but this young woman I could tell was uncomfortable. All the other riders I saw out this morning were dressed like me. I had leg warmers, gloves, and my thin long-sleeve under shirt. This woman had on thin girl-type jersey and bike shorts used for summer.
The headwind had picked up and she was freezing—but she did smile and say good morning. I kept going. I might have stayed to chat, or offer to draft the cold headwind—but I find most women roadies just want to be left alone. It’s always nice to have someone to ride with, but there’s a real art to striking up conversation with roadies in Tucson. Tucson cyclists can be smug—unlike Phoenix where I found most roadies are quite friendly.
We’ll see what the afternoon brings—there’s supposed to be lots of wind this afternoon.
Cheers!
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3 comments:
Ya got to watch out for those smug tucson roadies! I am discovering this pedal stroke thing is like finding the perfect golf swing. You search for it day after day, and then, it happens, but then you wake up another day and are right back at it. Kind of a zen thing I think. Legs just don't want to do circles man! Sometimes it helps to mash a tougher gear a little so you can feel the muscles you are supposed to be using burn as you force your foot through the parts of the pedal stroke where it normally lets the other foot push it through.
Phoenix people are more friendly, I thought that was just me that noticed that. Tucson people have lots of issues, so it's best to leave them alone. I've developed some issues of my own, by being a Tucsonan for sure ;)
Hint: Tucsonans are poorer.
On hybrid I get a good sense of spinning. I think because it is geared lower than other bikes I own, I tend to run with a higher cadence, and without trying too hard I can work on the pretty circles you speak of. Of course, they're only semicircles in my case since I use toe clips with no straps, but when I start my stroke a 9 o'clock instead of 2 o'clock, I can feel instant acceleration.
Maybe someday I'll try clipless.
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